Herbie Murray
Storing your sleeping bag correctly is simple but important. It's best to keep your bag uncompressed in a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack in a cool, dry place. If your sleeping bag is damp, you can use the REI Co-op Sleeping Bag Storage Sack, which is made with recycled polyester shell fabric and polyester mesh panels to help your gear breathe. If you're hanging your bag, make sure it's fully dry first and keep it in a temperature-controlled area.
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What You'll Learn
Use a breathable cotton or mesh sack
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to use a breathable cotton or mesh sack. This is because insulation loft is key to keeping you warm when sleeping outdoors. The fill must be able to fluff up (loft) to create small air pockets within the insulation. These air pockets then trap your body heat to keep you warm. Therefore, you should avoid storing your sleeping bag in a compressed state. A breathable cotton or mesh sack allows for air circulation, keeping the fill loose and airy.
If your sleeping bag did not come with a large storage bag, you can use a king-size pillowcase. However, a pillowcase may be a little small, so a better option is to purchase a cotton or mesh sack. A 90L sack is a good size to store your sleeping bag in. REI offers a large mesh storage sack that is made with recycled polyester shell fabric and polyester mesh panels to help your gear breathe when in storage.
It is also important to make sure that your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing it in a cotton or mesh sack. If you have access to outdoor space, you can hang your bag outside to dry. Alternatively, you can hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. If you have access to a large commercial dryer, you can use this to dry your bag, but be sure to dry it on a low heat setting and check on it frequently to avoid damage from heat.
In addition to using a breathable storage sack, it is recommended to store your sleeping bag in a place that is cool and dry. Avoid storing your bag in damp basements or unheated and uncooled spaces like garages and attics. Moisture and temperature extremes can be harmful to your bag. By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your sleeping bag stays in good condition and keeps you warm on your outdoor adventures.
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Store in a cool, dry place
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to keep it in a cool, dry place. This is because moisture and temperature extremes can be hard on your bag and may damage it. For this reason, it is best to avoid damp basements and unheated or uncontrolled spaces such as garages and attics.
If you have access to an outdoor space, you can hang your sleeping bag there to dry. Alternatively, you can hang it in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. If you do not have access to outdoor space, you can speed up the drying process by setting up a fan or dehumidifier. You can also use a large commercial dryer, although this is not usually necessary unless you need to wash your bag. If you do wash your bag, always dry it on a low heat setting and check it frequently to prevent damage from heat or twisting.
If you are unable to hang your sleeping bag, you can store it in a jumbo cotton storage bag, a large breathable cotton or mesh sack, or a king-size pillowcase. These options allow for air circulation and keep the bag contained without compressing the fill. It is important to ensure that your sleeping bag is thoroughly dry before storing it in any of these containers.
By following these steps and storing your sleeping bag in a cool, dry place, you can extend the life of your sleeping bag and keep it in good condition.
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Avoid compressing the bag
When storing your sleeping bag, it is important to avoid compressing it. This is because the insulation loft is key to keeping you warm. The fill, whether down or synthetic, needs to be able to fluff up (loft) to create small air pockets that trap your body heat and keep you warm while you sleep. Therefore, the best storage sack is a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack that will keep the bag contained without compressing the fill, while also allowing air circulation. If your bag came with a jumbo cotton storage bag, this is ideal. If not, you can use a king-size pillowcase, although this will be a little on the small side. A better option is to purchase a 90L cotton or mesh sack. You can also buy a dedicated sleeping bag storage sack from REI Co-op, which is made from recycled polyester shell fabric and polyester mesh panels to help your gear breathe.
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Dry the bag thoroughly
Before storing your sleeping bag, it is important to dry it thoroughly. Moisture and temperature extremes are hard on your bag and can cause mould or mildew. If your bag is damp from rain or has a funky smell, it should be dried before storing. Even if there is no visible moisture, it is a good idea to wash your bag periodically as body oils, sweat, and dirt in the insulation can compromise performance. Most people can do this every few years, but if you're an avid backpacker, washing once a season is recommended.
There are several ways to dry your sleeping bag. If you have access to outdoor space, you can hang the bag outside to dry in a temperature-controlled area. Setting up a fan or dehumidifier will speed up the drying process. Alternatively, you can use a large commercial dryer on a low heat setting, tossing in a few clean tennis balls to help fluff up the fill and ensure even drying. Remember to check on your bag frequently to avoid damage from heat or twisting.
If you don't have access to outdoor space, you can still dry your bag effectively. Hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. Again, a fan or dehumidifier can help speed up the drying process. Just be sure to avoid damp basements and unheated or uncooled spaces like garages and attics when storing your bag.
Once your bag is completely dry, you can move on to the next step of loose storage in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain the insulation loft, which is key to keeping you warm when using your sleeping bag.
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Wash the bag periodically
Even if your sleeping bag isn't visibly dirty, washing it periodically is a good idea. Body oils, sweat, and dirt in the insulation can compromise its performance. If you're an avid backpacker, it's recommended to wash your bag once a season. If you use your bag less frequently, washing it every few years is sufficient.
When washing your sleeping bag, it's important to use a mild detergent and cold water. You can either hand wash the bag or use a large commercial dryer, as home dryers are usually not big enough. If using a dryer, set it to a low heat setting and add two or three clean tennis balls to help fluff up the fill and ensure even drying.
Always dry your sleeping bag thoroughly before storing it away. Moisture can lead to mold or mildew problems, which can be challenging to remove. If drying your bag outdoors, avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the material. Alternatively, you can hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area and set up a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.
After your bag is completely dry, give it a good shake to fluff up the insulation. This process is crucial, as the insulation loft creates small air pockets that trap body heat and keep you warm while sleeping. By following these washing and drying instructions, you can maintain the performance and longevity of your sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
First, extract your sleeping bag from its stuff sack and dry it thoroughly. Then, loosely store it inside a large, breathable cotton or mesh sack. Finally, store it in a cool and dry place.
The best storage sack is a jumbo cotton storage bag that most bags are sold with today. This bag allows for air circulation and contains the bag without compressing its fill. If your bag didn't come with a large storage bag, you can use a king-size pillowcase or purchase a cotton or mesh sack (90L is a good size).
If you don't have a lot of storage space, you can hang your sleeping bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. Alternatively, you can use a large commercial dryer and toss in two or three clean tennis balls to help fluff up the fill and dry everything uniformly.
Even if you don't have a mold or mildew problem, washing your bag periodically is recommended as body oils, sweat, and dirt in the insulation can compromise performance. Most people can do this every few years, but if you're an avid backpacker, washing once a season is recommended.
